A woman lies motionless after a stampede at the Hindu religious festival in the Indian town of Nashik. At least 45 people, mostly women, were killed in the stampede as pilgrims broke down a barricade blocking their way to the Godavari River. Photo by AFP
At least 45 people, mostly women, were killed in a stampede by Hindu worshippers rushing to bathe in one of western India's holiest rivers at a festival held every three years, doctors said. Several witnesses said the victims were trampled to death when pilgrims broke down a barricade blocking their way to the Godavari River on a narrow street in the town of Nashik, 187 kilometers (116 miles) north of Bombay.